By AFRO Staff
The United States Naval Academy confirmed Oct. 12 that a missing 20-year-old midshipman has been found dead.
Midshipman Second Class Kyle Philbert James, a junior from Whippany, N.J., reportedly went missing on Oct. 9. According to Report Annapolis News, James’ family was alerted by Academy officials late that day that the cadet had missed all of his classes—a seemingly unusual occurrence. The following day, the news outlet reported, the family was informed that James’ remains had been found near the Annapolis campus.
The Naval Academy has not confirmed any of the details about James’ disappearance or where and in what condition he was found.
“The circumstances surrounding his death are currently under investigation,” the Naval Academy said in a statement.
James was a member of the 36th company and a history major. He was also a member of the USNA Gospel Choir.
“It is painful to lose a member of our Naval Academy family, and as we attempt to better understand this tremendous loss, we offer our deepest condolences to Philbert James’ family, close friends, classmates, and company mates during this extremely difficult time,” the U.S. Naval Academy said in a statement.
The school advised that its Midshipman Development Center, Chaplain’s Center, and Chain of Command would be available for counseling and support services to midshipmen, faculty, and staff affected by the loss.
My hope is that the AFRO will stay on this tragic story. The young man was 20 years old, just starting in life. And in the military of the United States. And found dead.